US20080266773A1 - Computer case having an active panel - Google Patents
Computer case having an active panel Download PDFInfo
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- US20080266773A1 US20080266773A1 US11/790,461 US79046107A US2008266773A1 US 20080266773 A1 US20080266773 A1 US 20080266773A1 US 79046107 A US79046107 A US 79046107A US 2008266773 A1 US2008266773 A1 US 2008266773A1
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- computer
- panel
- active panel
- active
- controller
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/18—Packaging or power distribution
- G06F1/181—Enclosures
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/18—Packaging or power distribution
- G06F1/181—Enclosures
- G06F1/182—Enclosures with special features, e.g. for use in industrial environments; grounding or shielding against radio frequency interference [RFI] or electromagnetical interference [EMI]
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
- H05K5/02—Details
- H05K5/0217—Mechanical details of casings
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
- H05K5/02—Details
- H05K5/0217—Mechanical details of casings
- H05K5/0243—Mechanical details of casings for decorative purposes
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a computer case, and more particularly, to a computer case having an active panel.
- Computers are widespread in many homes and businesses.
- the enclosure that contains the main components of a computer is typically referred to as a computer case, computer chassis, cabinet, tower, box, enclosure or housing (referred to hereinafter as a “computer case”).
- Many computers have a computer case that is simply a plain case with little to no artistic aspects. Although practical, such designs are considered by some users as dull or uninteresting.
- This practice is commonly referred to as “case modding.” These modifications include painting the case a new color, making the case out of transparent acrylic glass, adding stickers and lights, and providing other artistic embellishments. This practice has expanded the range of styles for computer cases beyond the traditional unadorned cases.
- a computer case having a plurality of case panels of which at least one case panel comprises an active panel; and a controller configured to control the at least one active panel to adjust an amount of light that passes through the active panel.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary desktop computer system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 a is view of a case panel having an active panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 b is view of a case panel having several different active panels, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 c is view of a case panel having active panels with letter shapes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 d is view of a case panel having an active panels with an extension, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an active control system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart for adjusting an active panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart for switching from an opaque to transparent active panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart for switching from an transparent to opaque active panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a functional diagram of computer system with a liquid crystal panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- aspects of the present invention are generally directed to an active panel system for implementation in a computer such that at least one case panel of the computer comprises one or more active panels.
- An active panel is a device that may be disposed in, or replace, a panel of the computer case.
- the active panel has a variable transparency which is dynamically or programmatically controllable by a user or a controller.
- An embodiment of an active panel system may be implemented in a computer, for example, to artistically embellish the computer case as well as to alter the transparency of the case such that the contents of the computer case are viewable from the exterior of the computer case without opening the case.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary computer system 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- computer system 100 comprises a display device 102 , keyboard 104 , mouse 106 , and computer case 108 .
- Computer case 108 houses conventional components such as disk drives, storage devices, memory, processors, printed circuit boards, input/output cards, expansion cards, connectors, cables, power supplies, fans, etc.
- the computer hardware along with software installed on the computer hardware, operates computer system 100 .
- Display device 102 , keyboard 104 , and mouse 106 may be connected to different computer hardware components (e.g., a graphics card and universal serial bus (USB) port, respectively) through a wire or wireless connection.
- Other peripherals may also be connected to computer system 100 such as game controllers, printers, scanners, cameras, speakers, etc.
- computer system 100 may comprise interfaces for connecting to a network.
- Computer case 108 comprises six case panels: a front case panel 110 and an opposing back case panel (not shown), a top case panel 112 and an opposing bottom case panel (not shown), and a right case panel 114 and an opposing left case panel (not shown).
- Front case panel 110 includes a disk drive slot 120 .
- an active panel control dial 122 is provided.
- Front case panel 110 , back case panel, top case panel 112 , bottom case panel and left case panel are made of a suitable material, such as, for example, plastic, steel, aluminum, other metals and metal alloys, acrylic glass, cellulose-based material, or combination thereof.
- Each of the case panels may be connected together by fasteners, welds, releasable locks, etc.
- a frame (not shown) may be provided for mounting each of the case panels together. In some embodiments that use a frame, the case may use fewer than six case panels. For example, a bottom case panel may not be included when a frame is used.
- right case panel 114 comprises an active panel 124 having a perimeter surrounded by a panel border 126 .
- Panel border 126 may be, for example, made of the same type of material as the other panels in computer case 108 .
- This embodiment of panel border 126 has a single opening or aperture in which active panel 124 is securely disposed.
- Active panel 124 is made of a transformable material.
- a transformable material is any material in which the transparency of the material may be adjusted, preferably from clear (substantially transparent) to opaque (not transparent).
- the transformable materials are liquid polymer materials commonly referred to as liquid crystals. Suitable examples of liquid crystals include those used in active or passive matrix liquid crystal displays, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) devices, switchable glass, smart windows, photochromic substrates, electrochromic substrates, thermochromic substrates, electronic ink (E-ink) and other similar thin film laminates.
- PDLC polymer dispersed liquid crystal
- FIGS. 2 a - 2 d are perspective views of different embodiments of a case panel 114 , referred to here as case panels 202 a - 202 d , respectively, each having different shapes and quantities of active panels 200 .
- case panel 202 a comprises an active panel 200 a surrounded by a panel border 204 a .
- Active panel 200 a has an irregular shape having edges that are curves and straight lines.
- case panel 202 b comprises six active panels, 200 b , 200 c , 200 d , 200 e , 200 f , 200 g surrounded by panel border 204 b and separated by bridges 206 a , 206 b , 206 c , 206 d , 200 e .
- Active panels 200 b - 200 g may be configured and separately controlled to have a static or dynamic display of any desired transparency of any desired content. In one embodiment in which images are implemented, the content of the image may be a video or collection of several images, such as a photo book.
- active panels 200 b - 200 f may be independently controlled by one or more controllers.
- case panel 202 b has one active panel 200 that is overlaid and separated with bridges 206 a - 206 d.
- panel 202 c comprises five active panels, 200 h , 200 i , 200 j , 200 k , 200 l surrounded by panel border 204 c and separated by bridges 206 f , 206 g , 206 h , 206 i .
- active panels 200 h and 200 i are letter shapes, while the remaining active panels 200 in FIG. 2 c are polygons.
- active panels 200 h and 200 i may be controlled together separate from the other active panels 200 j , 200 k , and 200 l .
- panel 202 d comprises four active panels 200 w , 200 x , 200 y , 200 z surrounded by panel border 204 d .
- Panel border 204 d has an extension 208 that blocks a portion of active panels 200 w - 200 z , but extension 208 does not connect border 204 d , similar to bridge 206 .
- Active panels 200 w - 200 z are not separated by a bridge, but may be independent of each other.
- a single controller may control each of the active panels 200 in FIG. 2 d .
- active panels 200 in FIG. 2 d may be one active panel with extension 208 overlaid on top. In such embodiments active panel 200 may have four portions each of which may be independently controlled.
- FIGS. 2 a - 2 d Although various configurations and arrangements of active panels are shown in FIGS. 2 a - 2 d , it should be appreciated that other configurations and arrangements are contemplated by embodiments of the present invention. Additionally different types of transformable materials may be used for different active panels to achieve various configurations and arrangements. Such configurations and arrangements may be determined depending on the type and location of hardware components within the computer case.
- the transparency of active panel 124 may be controlled by a user using keyboard 104 , mouse 106 , and/or transparency control dial 122 .
- the user may dynamically control the transparency using hardware components, such as dial 122 .
- the user, manufacturer or other person or entity may configure a controller to control active panel 124 .
- a controller is a software program that automatically controls the active panel based on values established by the user, manufacturer, or other person or entity.
- Such a controller may include a graphical user interface through which a person may select, configure or otherwise determine the content to be displayed as well as the manner in which the transparency is changed.
- the active panel controller may be responsive to one or more sensors that measure heat, light, etc.
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computer 300 in which an embodiment of an active panel system 301 of the present invention may be implemented.
- Computer 300 comprises a memory 306 , processor 308 , power supply 314 and storage device 310 .
- Memory 306 may comprise volatile memory elements such as random-access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), static (SRAM), etc., or nonvolatile memory elements such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc., or combinations thereof.
- Processor 308 may include any custom made or commercially available processing device such as a central processing unit (CPU), auxiliary processor, microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a plurality of suitably configured digital logic gates and other electrical processing configurations known now or later developed.
- CPU central processing unit
- ASIC application-specific integrated circuit
- Storage device 310 may comprise hard drives, optical drives, magnetic drives and/or combinations thereof.
- Input/output interface(s) 304 provide a communications interface with external user interface devices and other computers, servers and the like.
- I/O interfaces 304 provide an interface to display devices, printers, networks, etc.
- Active panel system 301 comprises, in this embodiment, one active panel 302 , a controller 312 and an optional light source 318 .
- Active panel 302 is made of any the transformable materials described above. Controller 312 controls the operations of active panel 302 in response to, for example, user inputs, programmatic instructions, external processor commands, etc. In addition to controlling the transparency of active panel 302 , in certain embodiments, controller 312 also controls the operational status of active panel 302 by regulating power from power supply 314 . In some embodiments, active panel 302 may have several different pixels and controller 312 is configured to regulate the voltage for each pixel or group of pixels in active panel 302 . The operations performed by controller 312 are described in greater detail below.
- controller 312 comprises a processor executing one or more software programs stored in a dedicated memory that is separate from memory 306 .
- controller 312 and associated circuitry are configured as an expansion card connected to a motherboard (not shown) of computer system 300 .
- controller 312 comprises one or more software programs that execute on processor 308 and are stored in memory 306 .
- active panel system 301 may comprise a light source 318 .
- Light source 318 may comprise, for example, incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, light-emitting diode (LED) device or other suitable light devices. Further, light source 318 may comprise a plurality of light devices which controller 312 may turn on independently. Light source 318 may produce different colors of light depending on the type of light source and user preferences.
- a suitable mount may be provided on one of the case panels for holding the light source.
- controller 312 controls light source 318 as described elsewhere herein. This control may be implemented, for example, by controller 312 controlling the state of an in-line power switch 316 disposed between power supply 314 and light source 318 .
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operations performed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 will be described below with reference to the exemplary embodiments and application illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 and described above. Specifically, FIG. 4 addresses the operations performed in those embodiments in which the user controls the active panel.
- an active panel control input to adjust the transparency or opacity of active panel 302 is initiated by a user via a keyboard 104 , mouse 106 , touch screen, dial 122 , or other user input device. Such a control signal is received by controller 312 through an I/O interface 304 . Controller 312 has a separate processor and receives the user input. In response to the user input, controller 312 adjusts active panel 302 , at block 404 , by adjusting the voltage from power supply 314 to one or more portions of active panel 304 .
- a request to make the active panel transparent may involve controller 312 decreasing the voltage applied to active panel 302
- a request to make the active panel opaque may involve controller 312 increasing the voltage applied to active panel 302
- controller 312 may switch the voltage on or off to thereby change the transparency of active panel 302
- the user's input may be a request to controller 312 to regulate the voltage so that active panel 302 is semi-transparent or semi-opaque.
- controller 312 turns on light source 318 by controlling the state of switch 316 .
- the user's request indicates that light source 318 should be turned on.
- controller 312 may automatically turn on light source 318 when active panel 302 is transparent or partially transparent. It should be noted that in some embodiments, blocks 404 and 406 may in any order without departing from the present invention.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing exemplary methods for switching from a substantially transparent or opaque active panel 302 .
- FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described below with reference to the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 and described above. It should be noted that while FIGS. 5 and 6 show switching from a substantially transparent/opaque active panel 302 , in other embodiments the switching may be from a semi-transparent or semi-opaque active panel 302 .
- controller 312 receives a signal indicating that a user requested that active panel 302 be changed to transparent. Such a user input may be to make the entire active panel 302 transparent, semi-transparent, or to display transparent images, graphics, text, etc.
- controller 312 determines whether active panel 302 is currently transparent. When active panel 302 is currently transparent, controller 312 , at block 506 , transmits an alert such as a text on display 102 or aural cue to inform the user that the active panel is already transparent.
- controller 312 turns on light source 318 by, for example, turning on switch 316 , as discussed above. In some embodiments, controller 312 may partially turn on light source 318 .
- controller 312 determines whether the user input was to turn the entire active panel 312 transparent. If so, at block 512 , controller 312 regulates the supply of voltage to active panel 302 to make active panel 302 transparent. However, if not, then controller 312 determines, at decision block 514 , whether the user input is to display a text or image. Such a text or image may require controller 312 to change only some of the active panel 302 transparent.
- controller 312 changing the voltage provided to the different pixels of active panel 302 .
- the image may be stored in memory 306 or storage device 310 of computer system 300 and accessed by controller 312 upon receiving such a user input.
- the requested image or text is displayed on active panel 302 .
- controller 312 implements the input in block 518 .
- active panel 302 may maintain the transparency set by method 500 when the computer system 302 is shut down.
- controller 312 For changing from a substantially transparent active panel to an opaque active panel, computer system 300 operates according to the method 600 shown by the flowchart of in FIG. 6 .
- controller 312 receives a user input to change a transparent active panel 302 to opaque, as described above.
- controller 312 checks to determine whether active panel 302 is already opaque. When the active panel is already opaque, controller 312 alerts the user at block 606 .
- controller 312 determines whether the user input was to turn the entire active panel 302 opaque. When yes, controller 312 in block 610 regulates the supply of voltage to active panel 302 to make active panel 302 opaque. Next in block 612 , controller 312 turns off light source 318 automatically. However, when no at decision block 608 , controller 312 at decision block 614 determines whether the user input is to display a text or image, as described above in FIG. 5 . In block 616 , the requested image or text is displayed on active panel 302 . However, when the user input is not to display text or an image, but a random or partial opaque active panel 302 , controller 312 implements the input in block 618 . Once active panel 302 is changed, method 600 may be repeated when controller 312 receives the next user input. Also, in some embodiments, the active panel 302 may maintain the opacity set by the method of 600 when computer system 300 is shut down.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of computer system 700 with a liquid crystal panel 702 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Computer system 700 comprises a motherboard 704 having an I/O interface card 706 connected to an expansion card 708 .
- Expansion card 708 comprises a liquid crystal controller 710 and RAM 712 .
- Expansion card 708 is communicatively connected to motherboard 704 and may be mounted directly on motherboard 704 .
- expansion card 708 is connected to liquid crystal panel 702 that comprises several different layers including a polarized filter 720 , y-conductive layer 722 , liquid crystal layer 724 and x-conductive layer 726 .
- Liquid crystal panel 702 is illuminated by LED light source 730 with light 740 .
- Computer system 700 operates by receiving a user input through I/O card 706 .
- Computer system 700 writes this user input to RAM 712 on expansion card 708 as a group of bits.
- Each of the bits may correspond to a pixel on liquid crystal panel 702 . It should be noted that this may vary depending on the number of pixels on liquid crystal panel 702 .
- Controller 710 scans the bits out of RAM 712 and writes to the corresponding y-conductive layer 722 or x-conductive layer 726 . The writing to the corresponding y-conductive layer 722 or x-conductive layer 726 alters the liquid crystal layer 724 . It should be noted that the writing to the conductive layers may vary depending on the type of transformable material.
- light 740 from light source 730 may reflect off motherboard 704 and pass through liquid crystal panel 702 .
- the regulation of voltage by controller 710 changes the orientation of the individual liquid crystals in liquid crystal panel 702 . This allows the user to see inside the computer case.
- the amount of light 740 that passes through the liquid crystal panel 702 varies depending on how many of the pixels are activated and the degree to which the individual pixels are activated.
- FIG. 1 shows exemplary user input devices
- the user input devices may also include controllers, touch screens, keypads, etc.
- liquid crystal panel 702 may have more or different types of layers. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to a computer case, and more particularly, to a computer case having an active panel.
- 2. Related Art
- Computers are widespread in many homes and businesses. The enclosure that contains the main components of a computer is typically referred to as a computer case, computer chassis, cabinet, tower, box, enclosure or housing (referred to hereinafter as a “computer case”). Many computers have a computer case that is simply a plain case with little to no artistic aspects. Although practical, such designs are considered by some users as dull or uninteresting. In an effort to customize or personalize computer cases, users sometimes modify their cases with third-party after-market components. This practice is commonly referred to as “case modding.” These modifications include painting the case a new color, making the case out of transparent acrylic glass, adding stickers and lights, and providing other artistic embellishments. This practice has expanded the range of styles for computer cases beyond the traditional unadorned cases.
- In one aspect of the present invention, there is a computer case having a plurality of case panels of which at least one case panel comprises an active panel; and a controller configured to control the at least one active panel to adjust an amount of light that passes through the active panel.
- Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary desktop computer system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 a is view of a case panel having an active panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 b is view of a case panel having several different active panels, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 c is view of a case panel having active panels with letter shapes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 d is view of a case panel having an active panels with an extension, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an active control system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for adjusting an active panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for switching from an opaque to transparent active panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for switching from an transparent to opaque active panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 7 is a functional diagram of computer system with a liquid crystal panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - Aspects of the present invention are generally directed to an active panel system for implementation in a computer such that at least one case panel of the computer comprises one or more active panels. An active panel is a device that may be disposed in, or replace, a panel of the computer case. The active panel has a variable transparency which is dynamically or programmatically controllable by a user or a controller. An embodiment of an active panel system may be implemented in a computer, for example, to artistically embellish the computer case as well as to alter the transparency of the case such that the contents of the computer case are viewable from the exterior of the computer case without opening the case.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anexemplary computer system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated,computer system 100 comprises adisplay device 102,keyboard 104,mouse 106, andcomputer case 108.Computer case 108 houses conventional components such as disk drives, storage devices, memory, processors, printed circuit boards, input/output cards, expansion cards, connectors, cables, power supplies, fans, etc. The computer hardware, along with software installed on the computer hardware, operatescomputer system 100.Display device 102,keyboard 104, andmouse 106 may be connected to different computer hardware components (e.g., a graphics card and universal serial bus (USB) port, respectively) through a wire or wireless connection. Other peripherals may also be connected tocomputer system 100 such as game controllers, printers, scanners, cameras, speakers, etc. In addition,computer system 100 may comprise interfaces for connecting to a network. -
Computer case 108 comprises six case panels: afront case panel 110 and an opposing back case panel (not shown), atop case panel 112 and an opposing bottom case panel (not shown), and aright case panel 114 and an opposing left case panel (not shown).Front case panel 110 includes adisk drive slot 120. In this exemplary embodiment an activepanel control dial 122 is provided.Front case panel 110, back case panel,top case panel 112, bottom case panel and left case panel are made of a suitable material, such as, for example, plastic, steel, aluminum, other metals and metal alloys, acrylic glass, cellulose-based material, or combination thereof. Each of the case panels may be connected together by fasteners, welds, releasable locks, etc. Also, a frame (not shown) may be provided for mounting each of the case panels together. In some embodiments that use a frame, the case may use fewer than six case panels. For example, a bottom case panel may not be included when a frame is used. - In this exemplary embodiment,
right case panel 114 comprises anactive panel 124 having a perimeter surrounded by apanel border 126.Panel border 126 may be, for example, made of the same type of material as the other panels incomputer case 108. This embodiment ofpanel border 126 has a single opening or aperture in whichactive panel 124 is securely disposed. -
Active panel 124 is made of a transformable material. A transformable material is any material in which the transparency of the material may be adjusted, preferably from clear (substantially transparent) to opaque (not transparent). In one embodiment, the transformable materials are liquid polymer materials commonly referred to as liquid crystals. Suitable examples of liquid crystals include those used in active or passive matrix liquid crystal displays, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) devices, switchable glass, smart windows, photochromic substrates, electrochromic substrates, thermochromic substrates, electronic ink (E-ink) and other similar thin film laminates. - Although only
right case panel 114 ofcomputer case 108 comprises anactive panel 124, in other embodiments, other case panels ofcomputer case 108, may also include one or more active panels. The active panel(s) may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes and/or be positioned in a variety of locations in a case panel.FIGS. 2 a-2 d are perspective views of different embodiments of acase panel 114, referred to here as case panels 202 a-202 d, respectively, each having different shapes and quantities of active panels 200. - In
FIG. 2 acase panel 202 a comprises anactive panel 200 a surrounded by apanel border 204 a.Active panel 200 a has an irregular shape having edges that are curves and straight lines. - In
FIG. 2 b,case panel 202 b comprises six active panels, 200 b, 200 c, 200 d, 200 e, 200 f, 200 g surrounded bypanel border 204 b and separated bybridges Active panels 200 b-200 g may be configured and separately controlled to have a static or dynamic display of any desired transparency of any desired content. In one embodiment in which images are implemented, the content of the image may be a video or collection of several images, such as a photo book. In some embodiments,active panels 200 b-200 f may be independently controlled by one or more controllers. In an alternative embodiment,case panel 202 b has one active panel 200 that is overlaid and separated with bridges 206 a-206 d. - In
FIG. 2 c case panel 202 c comprises five active panels, 200 h, 200 i, 200 j, 200 k, 200 l surrounded bypanel border 204 c and separated bybridges active panels FIG. 2 c are polygons. InFIG. 2 c,active panels active panels bridge 206 f overlaid between the letters. - In
FIG. 2 d case panel 202 d comprises fouractive panels panel border 204 d.Panel border 204 d has anextension 208 that blocks a portion ofactive panels 200 w-200 z, butextension 208 does not connectborder 204 d, similar to bridge 206.Active panels 200 w-200 z are not separated by a bridge, but may be independent of each other. A single controller may control each of the active panels 200 inFIG. 2 d. In some embodiments, active panels 200 inFIG. 2 d may be one active panel withextension 208 overlaid on top. In such embodiments active panel 200 may have four portions each of which may be independently controlled. - Although various configurations and arrangements of active panels are shown in
FIGS. 2 a-2 d, it should be appreciated that other configurations and arrangements are contemplated by embodiments of the present invention. Additionally different types of transformable materials may be used for different active panels to achieve various configurations and arrangements. Such configurations and arrangements may be determined depending on the type and location of hardware components within the computer case. - Returning to
FIG. 1 , the transparency ofactive panel 124 may be controlled by auser using keyboard 104,mouse 106, and/ortransparency control dial 122. In one embodiment, the user may dynamically control the transparency using hardware components, such asdial 122. In other embodiment, the user, manufacturer or other person or entity may configure a controller to controlactive panel 124. For example, in one embodiment, such a controller is a software program that automatically controls the active panel based on values established by the user, manufacturer, or other person or entity. Such a controller may include a graphical user interface through which a person may select, configure or otherwise determine the content to be displayed as well as the manner in which the transparency is changed. In other embodiments, the active panel controller may be responsive to one or more sensors that measure heat, light, etc. -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of acomputer 300 in which an embodiment of anactive panel system 301 of the present invention may be implemented.Computer 300 comprises amemory 306,processor 308,power supply 314 andstorage device 310.Memory 306 may comprise volatile memory elements such as random-access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), static (SRAM), etc., or nonvolatile memory elements such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc., or combinations thereof.Processor 308 may include any custom made or commercially available processing device such as a central processing unit (CPU), auxiliary processor, microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a plurality of suitably configured digital logic gates and other electrical processing configurations known now or later developed.Storage device 310 may comprise hard drives, optical drives, magnetic drives and/or combinations thereof. Input/output interface(s) 304 provide a communications interface with external user interface devices and other computers, servers and the like. For example, I/O interfaces 304 provide an interface to display devices, printers, networks, etc. -
Active panel system 301 comprises, in this embodiment, oneactive panel 302, acontroller 312 and an optionallight source 318. -
Active panel 302 is made of any the transformable materials described above.Controller 312 controls the operations ofactive panel 302 in response to, for example, user inputs, programmatic instructions, external processor commands, etc. In addition to controlling the transparency ofactive panel 302, in certain embodiments,controller 312 also controls the operational status ofactive panel 302 by regulating power frompower supply 314. In some embodiments,active panel 302 may have several different pixels andcontroller 312 is configured to regulate the voltage for each pixel or group of pixels inactive panel 302. The operations performed bycontroller 312 are described in greater detail below. - In one embodiment,
controller 312 comprises a processor executing one or more software programs stored in a dedicated memory that is separate frommemory 306. In one embodiment,controller 312 and associated circuitry are configured as an expansion card connected to a motherboard (not shown) ofcomputer system 300. In alternative embodiments,controller 312 comprises one or more software programs that execute onprocessor 308 and are stored inmemory 306. - In one embodiment,
active panel system 301 may comprise alight source 318.Light source 318 may comprise, for example, incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, light-emitting diode (LED) device or other suitable light devices. Further,light source 318 may comprise a plurality of light devices whichcontroller 312 may turn on independently.Light source 318 may produce different colors of light depending on the type of light source and user preferences. A suitable mount may be provided on one of the case panels for holding the light source. - In those embodiments in which active
panel display system 301 implements alight source 318,controller 312 controlslight source 318 as described elsewhere herein. This control may be implemented, for example, bycontroller 312 controlling the state of an in-line power switch 316 disposed betweenpower supply 314 andlight source 318. -
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operations performed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4 will be described below with reference to the exemplary embodiments and application illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3 and described above. Specifically,FIG. 4 addresses the operations performed in those embodiments in which the user controls the active panel. - At
block 402, an active panel control input to adjust the transparency or opacity ofactive panel 302 is initiated by a user via akeyboard 104,mouse 106, touch screen, dial 122, or other user input device. Such a control signal is received bycontroller 312 through an I/O interface 304.Controller 312 has a separate processor and receives the user input. In response to the user input,controller 312 adjustsactive panel 302, atblock 404, by adjusting the voltage frompower supply 314 to one or more portions ofactive panel 304. For example, a request to make the active panel transparent may involvecontroller 312 decreasing the voltage applied toactive panel 302, while a request to make the active panel opaque may involvecontroller 312 increasing the voltage applied toactive panel 302. Depending on the transformable material,controller 312 may switch the voltage on or off to thereby change the transparency ofactive panel 302. In addition, the user's input may be a request tocontroller 312 to regulate the voltage so thatactive panel 302 is semi-transparent or semi-opaque. - Next at
block 406,controller 312 turns onlight source 318 by controlling the state ofswitch 316. As part of the user input, the user's request indicates thatlight source 318 should be turned on. In other embodiments,controller 312 may automatically turn onlight source 318 whenactive panel 302 is transparent or partially transparent. It should be noted that in some embodiments, blocks 404 and 406 may in any order without departing from the present invention. -
FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing exemplary methods for switching from a substantially transparent or opaqueactive panel 302.FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described below with reference to the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3 and described above. It should be noted that whileFIGS. 5 and 6 show switching from a substantially transparent/opaqueactive panel 302, in other embodiments the switching may be from a semi-transparent or semi-opaqueactive panel 302. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , atblock 502,controller 312 receives a signal indicating that a user requested thatactive panel 302 be changed to transparent. Such a user input may be to make the entireactive panel 302 transparent, semi-transparent, or to display transparent images, graphics, text, etc. Atdecision block 504,controller 312 determines whetheractive panel 302 is currently transparent. Whenactive panel 302 is currently transparent,controller 312, atblock 506, transmits an alert such as a text ondisplay 102 or aural cue to inform the user that the active panel is already transparent. - If at
decision block 504active panel 302 is determined to not be transparent,controller 312 turns onlight source 318 by, for example, turning onswitch 316, as discussed above. In some embodiments,controller 312 may partially turn onlight source 318. Next, atdecision block 510,controller 312 determines whether the user input was to turn the entireactive panel 312 transparent. If so, atblock 512,controller 312 regulates the supply of voltage toactive panel 302 to makeactive panel 302 transparent. However, if not, thencontroller 312 determines, atdecision block 514, whether the user input is to display a text or image. Such a text or image may requirecontroller 312 to change only some of theactive panel 302 transparent. This is achieved bycontroller 312 changing the voltage provided to the different pixels ofactive panel 302. The image may be stored inmemory 306 orstorage device 310 ofcomputer system 300 and accessed bycontroller 312 upon receiving such a user input. Inblock 516, the requested image or text is displayed onactive panel 302. However, when the user input is not to display text or an image, but a random or partially transparentactive panel 302,controller 312 implements the input inblock 518. Onceactive panel 302 is changed, the process may be repeated whencontroller 312 receives the next user input. Also, in some embodiments,active panel 302 may maintain the transparency set bymethod 500 when thecomputer system 302 is shut down. - For changing from a substantially transparent active panel to an opaque active panel,
computer system 300 operates according to themethod 600 shown by the flowchart of inFIG. 6 . Atblock 602,controller 312 receives a user input to change a transparentactive panel 302 to opaque, as described above. Atdecision block 604,controller 312 checks to determine whetheractive panel 302 is already opaque. When the active panel is already opaque,controller 312 alerts the user atblock 606. - When at
decision block 604,active panel 302 is not transparent, atdecision block 608controller 312 determines whether the user input was to turn the entireactive panel 302 opaque. When yes,controller 312 inblock 610 regulates the supply of voltage toactive panel 302 to makeactive panel 302 opaque. Next inblock 612,controller 312 turns offlight source 318 automatically. However, when no atdecision block 608,controller 312 atdecision block 614 determines whether the user input is to display a text or image, as described above inFIG. 5 . Inblock 616, the requested image or text is displayed onactive panel 302. However, when the user input is not to display text or an image, but a random or partial opaqueactive panel 302,controller 312 implements the input inblock 618. Onceactive panel 302 is changed,method 600 may be repeated whencontroller 312 receives the next user input. Also, in some embodiments, theactive panel 302 may maintain the opacity set by the method of 600 whencomputer system 300 is shut down. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram ofcomputer system 700 with aliquid crystal panel 702, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Computer system 700 comprises amotherboard 704 having an I/O interface card 706 connected to anexpansion card 708.Expansion card 708 comprises aliquid crystal controller 710 andRAM 712.Expansion card 708 is communicatively connected tomotherboard 704 and may be mounted directly onmotherboard 704. Further, as shown,expansion card 708 is connected toliquid crystal panel 702 that comprises several different layers including apolarized filter 720, y-conductive layer 722,liquid crystal layer 724 andx-conductive layer 726.Liquid crystal panel 702 is illuminated byLED light source 730 withlight 740. -
Computer system 700 operates by receiving a user input through I/O card 706.Computer system 700 writes this user input to RAM 712 onexpansion card 708 as a group of bits. Each of the bits may correspond to a pixel onliquid crystal panel 702. It should be noted that this may vary depending on the number of pixels onliquid crystal panel 702.Controller 710 scans the bits out ofRAM 712 and writes to the corresponding y-conductive layer 722 orx-conductive layer 726. The writing to the corresponding y-conductive layer 722 orx-conductive layer 726 alters theliquid crystal layer 724. It should be noted that the writing to the conductive layers may vary depending on the type of transformable material. When altered to a transparentliquid crystal panel 702, light 740 fromlight source 730 may reflect offmotherboard 704 and pass throughliquid crystal panel 702. The regulation of voltage bycontroller 710 changes the orientation of the individual liquid crystals inliquid crystal panel 702. This allows the user to see inside the computer case. The amount of light 740 that passes through theliquid crystal panel 702 varies depending on how many of the pixels are activated and the degree to which the individual pixels are activated. - Although the present invention has been fully described in conjunction with several embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, it should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the elements described above with reference to functional block diagrams may comprise more or less components than those illustrated or described, and that the functional divisions described herein are conceptual only and are provided to facilitate understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Such functional allocations, therefore, should not be construed as limiting in any way. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. Although
FIG. 1 shows exemplary user input devices, in other embodiments the user input devices may also include controllers, touch screens, keypads, etc. Also, inFIG. 7 , other processors, memory, and computer components may be mounted onmotherboard 704. Further, inFIG. 7 the illustrated layers ofliquid crystal panel 702 are exemplary and in other implementationsliquid crystal panel 702 may have more or different types of layers. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. - All documents, patents, journal articles and other materials cited in the present application are hereby incorporated by reference.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (3)
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US11/790,461 US7929281B2 (en) | 2007-04-25 | 2007-04-25 | Computer case having an active panel |
TW097112475A TW200911074A (en) | 2007-04-25 | 2008-04-07 | A computer case having an active panel |
KR1020080033922A KR20080095760A (en) | 2007-04-25 | 2008-04-11 | A computer case having an active panel |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US11/790,461 US7929281B2 (en) | 2007-04-25 | 2007-04-25 | Computer case having an active panel |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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TW200911074A (en) | 2009-03-01 |
KR20080095760A (en) | 2008-10-29 |
US7929281B2 (en) | 2011-04-19 |
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